AVID is an elective class that assists students who need academic help (tutoring) in one or more of their classes, and are very determined to attend a four-year university. AVID helps you to improve your study habits and organizational skills. The class also provides tutoring two days a week in the AVID class by students currently attending college. AVID takes you on field trips to colleges and helps with the college applications, scholarships, and the financial aid application process.

AVID is a proven program for college preparation that gives students the skills, tools and attitude to succeed. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. The Latin word avidus means "eager for knowledge." Ten comprehensive schools in the Phoenix Union High School District offer AVID. AVID prepares students in the academic middle who are often least-served for four-year college eligibility through rigorous curriculum, including AVID elective courses that focus on skills needed for college.

The AVID mission is to ensure that students:

• will succeed in rigorous curriculum

• will complete a rigorous college preparatory path

• will enter mainstream activities of the school

• will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges

• will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society

How Does AVID Work?

AVID targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID students are enrolled in their school's toughest classes, such as Honors and Advanced Placement, along with the AVID elective class.